Senior Specialist Spatial Planner

ESB; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 71,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Pension

Well-being programmes

Hybrid working

Career development

CSR opportunities

Job summary

ESB Engineering & Major Projects is seeking a Senior Spatial Planner to join our Planning and Consenting Team, delivering on the Net Zero 2040 strategy. The role supports ESB Generation Engineering in Ireland and the UK, with hybrid working and flexible arrangements to suit project needs.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, provide expert planning advice, and manage interactions with authorities and stakeholders to progress major infrastructure and marine developments across Ireland and the

Qualifications

• Level 8 Town/Spatial Planning Degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant planning experience.
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation and consenting for major infrastructure in Ireland and ability to translate regulatory requirements for project teams.
• High level of specialist expertise and ability to manage significant projects or key aspects delivering high performance results.
• Strong safety awareness and communication skills.
• Valid ROI driver's license, access to a car, and flexibility to travel nationwide.
• Strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills with track record of managing internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams and prepare applications for planning permission, strategic infrastructure and marine area developments to authorities in Ireland and the UK.
• Provide expert planning advice to project teams to scope and deliver projects in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate understanding of existing and emerging planning legislation, including marine planning legislation, and briefing colleagues accordingly.
• Lead interactions and consultations with external stakeholders and statutory authorities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of environmental regulatory requirements for ESB projects.

Skills

Leadership / Team Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Regulatory Knowledge

Communication

Safety Awareness

Driving License / Travel

Education

Level 8 Town/Spatial Planning Degree

Level 9 Town/Spatial Planning Degree (Desirable)

Job description

• Planning Compliance Discharge

ESB Engineering & Major Projects is seeking a Senior Spatial Planner to join us on our journey to a Brighter Future as ESB delivers on its Net Zero 2040 strategy, with the key objective of delivering resilient infrastructure.

Join our Planning and Consenting Team, who specialise in:

• Planning Applications (including SID & Offshore)
• Consent Applications (including MAC & EPA Licences)
• Planning Compliance Discharge
• Strategic Planning & Project Planning Advice
• Stakeholder Engagement with Key Entities in the Planning Process

This position is based in the multi-disciplinary Planning and Environment Group within the Generation Engineering Department. The Gen Eng P&E Group specialises in supporting ESB Generation & Trading as it delivers on its Net Zero 2040 strategy via the development of new generation assets in Ireland and UK, both onshore and offshore and with the operational activities of existing generation assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams and take responsibility for the preparation of applications for planning permission, strategic infrastructure and marine area developments to the appropriate statutory authorities for projects in Ireland and UK, in compliance with legislative requirements.
• Provide expert planning advice to project teams across Generation Engineering and Generation Projects to successfully scope and deliver projects in a timely manner by contributing to feasibility, screening and other studies for sites as required by ESB.
• Demonstrate and apply a detailed understanding of existing and emerging planning legislation, including marine planning legislation, and have an ability to brief colleagues and project teams in relation to project consenting.
• Lead interactions and consultations with external stakeholders and statutory authorities such as local authorities, An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) and Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant environmental regulatory requirements for ESB development projects.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Level 8 Town/Spatial Planning Degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant planning experience.
• In-depth knowledge and experience of planning legislation (existing and emerging) and consenting for major infrastructure developments in Ireland and ability to translate new and changing regulatory requirements into workable directions for project teams.
• High level of specialist expertise and strong technical capability and proven ability to manage significant projects or key aspects of projects and deliver high performance results.
• Strong safety awareness and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license for ROI, access to a car, and flexibility to travel nationwide
• Strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills and proven track record of managing internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable

• Chartered status or working towards it in a recognised professional institution.
• Level 9 Town/Spatial Planning Degree or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience of planning and consenting legislation in the UK and/or within the offshore energy sector in Ireland or the UK.
• Other related qualifications including project management

Location

This position will be based in ESB E&MP's Offices in The Siding's Dublin or Eastgate Cork.

Smart Working at ESB is designed to make "in-person" time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business.

Reporting To

Gen Eng P&E Group - Planning and Consenting Team Lead.

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland's transition to net zero carbon future
• Career development through mentoring and training
• Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
• Sports and Social Clubs
• Networking opportunities
• Credit Union
• Generous Pension
• Access to staff well-being programmes
• Generous parental leave entitlements
• Strong values-based and inclusive culture
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

Salary

€71,000 - €84,000 per annum

Closing Date

24th september 2026

Interview

• Accountable and Ethical
• Collaborative
• Growing and Adaptive
• Proactive
• Respectful and Supportive

More information available on Our People Promise Our People Promise

Notes

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.

The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland / UK prior to commencement of employment.